The Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Hon. Sesi Whingan, has welcomed the decision to reduce the number of security checkpoints along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to just four.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Whingan’s media team explained that the decision followed a petition he submitted to the National Assembly, highlighting the difficulties faced by commuters due to the large number of checkpoints and instances of extortion by security personnel.
The announcement came after a press release titled “Security Agencies’ Efforts to Curb Extortion and Abuse along Badagry-Seme Border Corridor Commendable,” which outlined the outcomes of a high-level security meeting chaired by the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2.
The meeting approved checkpoints at four key locations: Seme Point, Gbaji Point, Apa Point, and Agbara Point.
Whingan had presented the petition on October 16, 2024, during a plenary session in the House of Representatives, with support from Comrade Aladeotan David and his team. The petition, submitted during the Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement event, described the financial and psychological impact of excessive checkpoints and illegal extortion on commuters. In his address, Whingan stressed the importance of security personnel performing their duties without violating citizens’ rights.
Following the petition, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, acknowledged the issue and directed relevant committees to look into it.
Whingan commended the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security agencies for their quick response to the issue. He described the reduction in checkpoints as a significant victory for the people of Badagry and all commuters along the vital corridor.
He emphasized that reducing the number of checkpoints would help foster economic growth, reduce hardship, and protect the rights of road users. Whingan also called on the joint task force to ensure strict compliance with the new policy and urged the public to report any violations through designated contact numbers.
Whingan reiterated his commitment to the welfare of his constituents and vowed to continue monitoring the situation to safeguard the rights and interests of the people of Badagry Federal Constituency.
This decision is a significant victory for the people of Badagry and all commuters along this vital corridor.
“By reducing checkpoints, we are fostering economic growth, reducing hardship, and upholding the rights of road users,” Whingan stated.
